Home Care

Carilion Clinic Home Care serves patients who are under the care of a physician, have a skilled need for a nurse or therapist and meet the homebound criteria for in-home care. Generally, patients qualify for home care if they: 

• Have a medical condition that requires assessment by a skilled nurse or therapist 
• Are under the care of a physician 
• Have a medical condition that requires intermittent care and treatment 
• Have difficulty leaving home or need help from others to do so 

Because home health care is a convenient, cost-saving alternative to hospitalization, it is covered under most private insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Criteria for admission and reimbursement coverage vary. For your convenience, we will bill your insurance company directly. 

What To Expect

Once your physician has ordered your home health services or you have reached out to express your need, our team gets to work. A nurse will call you within 24 to 48 hours after you leave the hospital, and your first home health appointment will occur shortly after that. 

First, a Carilion Clinic Home Care nurse or therapist will come to your home and evaluate your condition. They, and your physician, will determine which services you need and how often to schedule your appointments. The nurse or therapist will then provide your care. Based on your needs, they will also: 

• Review your medications with you 
• Help monitor your vital signs 
• Share information about your condition and ways to prevent other, more serious issues 
• Ensure that you understand what possible signs and symptoms to look for and when you should call Carilion Home Care, call your doctor or go to the Emergency Department (ED) 
• Check your home for safety issues that might affect your recovery 

After this first visit, our team will continue to schedule Home Care appointments for you as needed. This will be based on your progress and condition. We are in your home to provide care under your doctor’s orders, and we will keep them informed about your progress. 

For more information about the home health services you will receive, call our intake department at 800-964-9300, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On-call nurses are available after hours for referrals and any patient needs.

We offer the following specialized programs and services to ensure the best care possible while you recover. 

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program 

The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program is designed to support the needs of individuals and families struggling with memory issues. Our clinicians give patients and families the tools and techniques they need to reclaim strength and independence throughout their illness. We offer integrated care, which means Carilion Clinic geriatricians consult with patients and our Home Care team to develop an individualized plan for your care. 

Partners in Care 

Partners in Care focuses on meeting palliative and/or end-of-life care needs for those with life-limiting illness who are not currently eligible for or ready to accept hospice care. Various forms of medical therapy may be recommended following major surgery, after a life-changing illness or as a result of a chronic condition. This award-winning program is designed to provide sensitive, compassionate help and support for patients and families during the journey from diagnosis and treatment to palliative care and hospice, when it becomes necessary. The program goal is to ensure that you receive the care you need and the support you deserve every step of the way. 

We use the latest technologies to support you during care and improve your quality of life and health at home. 

ReDS Vest/Diuretic Protocol 

The ReDS System is a non-invasive, wearable device that can measure the amount of fluid in a person’s lungs. This technology provides precise measurements that your physician can use to determine when treatment changes may be needed, such as more diuretics or medications used to remove fluid, allowing you to breathe easier. Our diuretic, or fluid management, protocol provides guidance on managing fluid overload and heart failure symptoms in the comfort of your home. 

Integrated Medical Record 

We share an integrated medical record with Carilion clinicians, Carilion offices and Carilion hospitals to promote continuity of care throughout your time with us. We can quickly and efficiently communicate with your care team as your needs change, view updates to your treatment plan and coordinate care in an expedited manner. 

Telehealth 

At Carilion Clinic, we bring modern medicine to your home, making it easier to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. We can remotely monitor your vital signs and symptoms through a telehealth monitoring device in your home. It is as simple as dialing a phone. Abnormal findings alert our nurses, which prompts an in-home visit to assess your situation and ensure that you get the help you may need. 

Personal Response System 

We are proud to partner with Philips Lifeline, a personal response system that helps seniors get the help they need in case of any emergency. The Lifeline Medical Alert service provides fast, easy access to a trained response associate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Lifeline offers a range of choices to help patients maintain their independence.  

Whether you need the go-anywhere protection of GoSafe, the automatic fall detection of Phillips Lifeline with autoalert or the peace of mind offered by HomeSafe, Carilion Clinic Home Care has you covered. Lifeline offers: 

• Peace of mind for patients and families 
• Support when no one else can be there, 24 hours a day 
• Prompt help at the push of a button 
• The ability for patients to safely remain at home with HomeSafe 
• The ability to leave home with peace of mind with GoSafe 

For more information on our personal emergency services, call Philips Lifeline at 800-533-8954, extension 54345 to speak to a Carilion Clinic account representative. 

View the Lifeline Medical Alert video here: About Lifeline with AutoAlert